In this head-to-head comparison, we take on two of Casio’s most popular models: the Casio CTK 2550 vs 3500.
These two Casio keyboards are aimed at beginner players and boast terrific features, along with notable pros and cons. We show you how to choose the model that’s best for you!
Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500 Specifications Compared
Specification | CTK 2550 | CTK 3500 |
|---|---|---|
Cell | 
| 
|
Keys | 61 full-size keys | 61 full-size keys |
Polyphony (max) | 48 | 48 |
Integrated Tones | 400 | 400 |
Reverb Setting | 10 | 10 |
Microphone Input | Yes | Yes |
Touch Response | No | 2 sensitivity levels (off) |
MIDI Input | No | Yes |
Pitch Bend Wheel | No | Yes |
Dance Music Mode | Yes | No |
USB to Host | No | Yes |
Weight (w/o batteries) | 7.3 pounds | 7.5 pounds |
Cell |
Major Similarities Between Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500
Casio CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500 are 61 full-size keyboards, ideal for complete beginners.
Both the piano keyboards allow you to produce and explore different kinds of music. Both of them feature 48 polyphonies, 30 songs, 400 built-in tones, 100 built-in rhythms, 46 (12/34) world rhythms, 50 built-in dance music rhythms, and 60 built-in tunes (exercise phrase). Because of these musical features, you can play a wide variety of songs from classical to blues to rock and roll, to contemporary and lots more.
Another similarity you will come across between Casio CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500 is that they come with the lesson function. Again, this is extremely useful for new learners. This feature has the Lesson Lite, Scoring System, and Voice Fingering Guide in them. Additionally, you can learn to play with the right hand, left hand, and both hands eventually.
Casio CTK 2550 and Casio CTK 3500 also come with a sustain pedal, which makes piano playing easier. That’s because this handy tool lets you create a sound for a long time without having you to keep the note pressed.
Other than that, both the Casio models include the key transpose, tuning control, and metronome. They also come with batteries, music stand, and AC adapters, which make the setup and playing music easy and fun. What’s amazing is that both the models have the same dimensions (37.2” x 12.1” x 3.6”), speakers (3.9” x2), and amplifiers (2 W + 2 W).
Major Differences Between Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500
There aren’t vast differences between Casio CTK 2550 and CTK 3500. But since we are doing a comprehensive versus guide, it’s important to delve deep into the nitty-gritties.
One major difference between the CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500 is that the latter is touch-sensitive. This means the piano produces different sounds depending on the way the keys are pressed. This helps develop an understanding among piano players about how they should ideally press the keys. The harder you press, the louder the sound keyboard makes. On the contrary, pressing the keys gently will create soft sounds. On the other hand, Casio CTK 2550 has unweighted keys. This means the piano keys are made from plastic and employ “springs” to return the key to its main position. This type of keyboard has a lighter and quicker feel than any other pianos (weighted or semi-weighted).
Even though both the Casio models offer great connectivity, the CTK 3500 is more upgraded. Unlike, the CTK 2550, the CTK 3500 offers USB-MIDI connection. This means you can easily plug your MIDI keyboard directly to your PC or phone, without the need of an interface. This feature allows you to transfer your recorded music to your personal devices and edit it or send it to others for prompt feedback. A connectivity feature that is available in the CTK 2550, but is absent in the CTK 3500 is to mic up the piano. The in-built microphone gives a chance to record great quality songs as you play.
While both the pianos are considered light and transportable, it should be pointed out that the CTK 3500 is slightly heavier than the CTK 2550. Nonetheless, the weight difference is quite minute and doesn’t make much of a difference overall. Casio CTK 2550 is loved more for its Dance Music Mode, which is missing in the CTK 3500. With this mode on, you can instantly become a DJ and play amazing dance tracks for your audience. You can also remix songs on the spot by simply pressing different key combinations. This is a feature that can come in handy when playing the piano at a party.
The CTK 2550 also comes with a unique pitch wheel, which is a controller on a synthesizer, allowing you to change the pitch as you play along. You can easily raise or lower the pitch of your notes and alter your music as a result.
Casio CTK 2550 Summary
Major Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Easy to Manage and Transport | One of the best features of the CTK 2550 is that it is manageable and transportable. The keyboard weighs less than ten pounds, which goes to show how light it is. While you probably won’t use the piano for gigs, but you may need to move it around the house or carry it to and fro from piano classes to your house. One of the main reasons why the CTK 2550 is compact and lightweight is because it lacks the features of advanced keyboards. Unlike large boards, this one doesn’t have a full 88 keys. But that’s not an issue at all, considering the piano is for beginners. |
Multitudes of Tones, Rhythms, etc. | The best thing about the CTK 2550 is that it has lots of sound options – polyphones, integrated tones, stereo piano tones, dance music effects, and rhythms. You will come across three different kinds of rhythms – dance music rhythms, world rhythms, and built-in rhythms. When it comes to built-in tunes, you will find over 400 for sound sources and 60 for the exercise phrase. The wide array of music options gives you the freedom to be creative and innovative when playing the piano. |
All-Dance Music Mode | With this mode, piano players get a chance to express their DJ mood. Whether you are playing at a party or by yourself, this all-dance music style can let you enjoy piano playing like never before. All you have to do is press the all-dance music button and have fun being a DJ for a change. You can also use “Build-up Play” to incorporate the characteristic of sound effects to your dance music and have even more fun. If you’re wondering what Build-Up play is, it is simply six dramatic sound effects. Press any of them to jazz up your music! |
Affordable | Last but not least, Casio CTK 2550 is a good value for money. It’s affordable yet functional, which is a rare combination but the one that entices budget-conscious buyers. You probably won’t find a beginner piano cheaper than this. Please note that Casio usually produces expensive pianos, so this one is quite a catch! |
Pros and Cons of Casio CTK 2550
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Casio CTK 2550 is one of the finest keyboards for beginners out there. All types of beginner music students can start their journey with the CTK 2550. The most stand-out feature is its affordability. The next feature that makes the piano such a favorite among beginners is its massive song options; from different tones to rhythms to songs to everything in between, this piano is ideal for exploring different kinds of music.
Casio CTK 3500 Summary
Major Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Touch-Sensitive Keys | The biggest selling point of Casio CTK 3500 is its touch-sensitive keys. Generally, the price of touch-sensitive keyboards is above $170. However, you can get the same board, in fact, a better one, at just around $100. So, with this keyboard, you can save lots of money and still have an excellent piano playing experience. When playing the Casio’s touch-sensitive keys, you will feel the melody going up and down. You can also feel whether or not the volume of the note is changing. All of this will help you play the piano better. |
Excellent In-Built Lessons | Since the CTK 3500 is designed for beginners, it is packed with educational functions. You can use them to learn the basics of piano playing and move ahead in your musical journey. At the entry-level, you can begin by the note reading, body positioning, and hand placements. The keyboard features a clear LC display that shows you all the instructions needed to follow to master the basic piano playing skills. The educational pack bundle of the CTK 3500 contains eMedia instructional software that offers several video techniques and demos for beginners. |
Chordana Play App | Another great feature of Casio CTK 3500 is the Chordana Play App. With this app, you can expand your song library and play more music on your piano. To use this app effectively, you won’t need to do much. All you have to do is connect the keyboard to your PC or mobile phone and download more MIDI files to the app and add more songs to your library. The app also helps in other ways. For instance, it allows you to record and store your performances automatically and play and review them at any point in time. |
Awesome Connectivity Options | Casio CTK 3500 has loads of connectivity options. For example, it has a headphone jack at the back of the board. Because of this feature, you can easily connect your headphone and enjoy endless private practice sessions. At the back, there’s also a pedal port from where you can connect a sustain or damper pedal. There’s also a USB MIDI interface that helps you connect the keyboard to your PC in a matter of seconds! |
Pros and Cons of Casio CTK 3500
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Casio CTK 3500 is a modern touch-sensitive keyboard – a great option for beginners to learn piano playing and sail through their music journey smoothly. This keyboard helps develop a musical ear with its massive library of songs, rhythms, tunes, styles, etc. The availability of the Chordana play app, and the Educational lessons further help beginners to master piano playing and that too at their own pace!
Somesh Sharma's Comparison of Casio CTK 2550 and CTK 3500
Conclusion
Casio piano keyboards are known for their excellent quality and sound worldwide. If you’re a beginner who’s researching which Casio piano to get, we’ve laid out the specs, features, and pros & cons in this article so you can make an informed decision between Casio CTK 2550 vs Casio CTK 3500. Both of them are great keyboard models with different features that every beginner player should try and enhance their piano performance.
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